5G was once a luxury in Canada, but it’s quickly becoming the norm, with service available to over 70% of Canadians. It’s not just the Big Three: 5G plans are now available from Eastlink, Freedom Mobile, SaskTel, Videotron, Virgin Plus, and Public Mobile.
If you want to take advantage of your 5G plan, then you’ll need a proper 5G smartphone with the high-quality features (like large screens, sharp cameras, and lightning-fast processing) that’ll allow you to enjoy all that 5G speeds offer.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best 5G smartphones, including the best from Apple, Google, Samsung, and Motorola, and show you how to find the best deals from 5G carriers. Read on to find the best 5G phones for April 2024.
Best 5G phones April 2024
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Phone | MSRP | Shop this phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Apple iPhone 14 | Starting at $899.00 | View on Amazon | |
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Google Pixel 7a | Starting at $549.00 | View on Amazon | |
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Galaxy S23 | Starting at $958.00 | View on Amazon | |
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Motorola Moto G 5G (2022) | Starting at $185.00 | View on Amazon |
What's happening
WhistleOut Canada watches for trends in the wireless industry, especially hot deals on new phones and plans. Here's what's going on this month:
- Apple finally released the much-anticipated iPhone 15. We've got everything you need to know about the new phone, along with the best deals on the device.
- We're always on the lookout for the best cheap phone deals and Canada’s best prepaid and pay-as-you-go plans from several different carriers.
- Freedom Mobile recently rolled out 5G plans, making the carrier a viable alternative to the Big Three. We break down their coverage map along with the best of their high-speed plans in our updated guide to the carrier.
Best 5G iPhones
The iPhone 12 was the first Apple phone to feature 5G connectivity and its successors have only gotten better, stronger, and faster, allowing users to make the most of their carrier’s 5G service.
iPhone 14 | Starting at $899 MSRP
- Pros: Beautiful display, long-lasting battery, sleek design
- Cons: Expensive upfront cost
The iPhone 14 impressed us upon its release, to say the least. We love its beautiful 6.1” display and its advanced dual-camera system, which features a 12MP TrueDepth lens on the front and 12MP Ultra Wide and 12MP Wide lenses on the rear. All of that is packaged in the impeccable design Apple products are known for, making for an easy-to-use device.
It’s also the best phone for power users who want to get the most out of their 5G plan. The powerful A15 Bionic processor means your phone will be able to work faster and take full advantage of the speed your 5G plan offers. Crucially, its long-lasting battery, which allows for up to 26 hours of continuous video playback, will make sure all that processing doesn’t leave you constantly searching for a charger.
It may be more expensive than many of the other 5G-capable phones on the market, it’s a pricetag that’s worth paying. If you’re looking to take advantage of your 5G plan, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better device.
View on Amazon
iPhone 13 | Starting at $630 MSRP
- Pros: Large display, long-lasting battery, excellent cameras
- Cons: Expensive upfront cost
It may not be the newest iPhone, but the iPhone 13 still punches above its weight. The device has a 6.1” Super Retina XDR display and three high-definition cameras, including a 12MP TrueDepth camera on the front and 12MP Ultra Wide and 12MP Wide lenses on the rear.
The iPhone 13 uses the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 14, meaning the processing speed for both phone will be nearly identical, though there’s an important distinction with battery life. The 13’s battery is not as powerful, with 19 hours of video playback compared to the 14’s 26 hours, so you can expect the fast performance of a 5G plan to wear on the phone’s battery more quickly than it would on a 14.
Another major difference in specs is that the iPhone 13 has fewer 5G bands than the 14, but this shouldn’t be an issue. For the time being, all 5G carriers in Canada use 5G bands that are compatible with both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14.
When it comes down to it, the major difference between the 13 and 14 is price. If you’re looking for a high performing 5G iPhone but want to save some money, we recommend the 13.
View on Amazon
iPhone 12 | Starting at $285 MSRP
- Pros: Large display, strong cameras, low sticker price
- Cons: Limited storage
If you’re on a tight budget but looking for a 5G-compatible iPhone, this is your best bet. The iPhone 12 was the first 5G-capable iPhone and has some great features, like a 6.1” OLED display, three high-definition cameras, 4K video recording, and a battery that can sustain 17 hours of video playback.
The phone features an A14 Bionic processor, an earlier version of the A15 that powers the iPhone 14 and 13. That means your 5G service will be slower on the iPhone 12 than it would on later iPhones, which might frustrate power users and gamers.
In addition, the cheapest version of the iPhone 12 also only has 64GB of storage, meaning you’ll need to be selective with the apps you download and the photos you store. We don’t think that’s too much of a problem–with the accessibility of cloud-based storage options like iCloud and Google Drive, you can keep your data safe and keep your iPhone 12 running smoothly at the same time.
View on AmazonBest 5G iPhone deals
We know that it’s not enough to find a 5G compatible iPhone–you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal on the market. Below, we’ve collected some of the best deals on 5G iPhones, including plans from some of the best 5G carriers in Canada.
iPhone 13 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 14 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 14 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 14 Plus 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Best 5G Google Pixels
Google’s Pixel 5G compatible smartphones are some of the best Android devices on the market, with sharp cameras, fast processors, and affordable sticker prices.
Pixel 7a | Starting at $549 MSRP
- Pros: Google Tensor G2 processor, high-definition cameras
- Cons: Limited audio capabilities
We’ve said before and we’ll keep saying it: the Pixel 7a is the best 5G Android on the market, especially for those on a budget. From the 6.1” OLED + HDR display to the front and rear auto-HDR cameras to the inspired colors (charcoal, coral, sea, and snow), there’s a lot to like about the 7a.
We loved the Pixel 7 and the 7a includes many of its features, like a fast Google Tensor G2 processor and a battery that’ll last up to 72 hours. For most people, the experience of using the Pixel 7 versus the Pixel 7a won’t be different. That’s especially true with 5G service: the 7a is just as fast as the 7, meaning your 5G service will be nearly identical on both devices. The main difference that everyone will experience, though, is in price. The 7a runs a bit cheaper; for most people, that alone will make the decision for them.
The Tensor G2 isn’t as fast as the iPhone’s A15 Bionic, but most users won’t notice the difference: the Tensor G2 is still fast enough to provide high-speed 5G service.
View on Amazon
Pixel 7 | Starting at $499 MSRP
- Pros: 6.3” display, Google Tensor G2 processor
- Cons: More expensive than 7a
Think of the Pixel 7 as the 7a’s big brother: both of the devices have the same blood, but the 7 is a little older and a little more advanced. Its display is 6.3” compared to the 7a’s 6.1” and its audio capabilities are more advanced, including the option to listen to spatial audio. Beyond that, the phones are remarkably similar, with the same Google Tensor G2 processor and a similar long-lasting battery.
The biggest difference is in cameras: the Pixel 7 has three cameras to the 7a’s two, with a 10.8MP Ultrawide front camera and 50MP Octa PD Quad Bayer wide and 12MP ultrawide lenses on the rear. Pair those cameras with Google’s photo editing features, like Photo Unblur, and you’ll see why we consider the Pixel 7 to be the best 5G compatible phone for photographers.
View on Amazon
Pixel 6a | Starting at $349 MSRP
- Pros: Inexpensive, long-lasting battery
- Cons: Dated model, slower processor
The best 5G phone deals are for older models, like the Google Pixel 6a. The Pixel 6a is significantly cheaper than the Pixel 7 or Pixel 7a and is among the cheapest 5G phones in Canada. Still, the lower price means you are sacrificing some performance. The Pixel 6a uses a more basic Google Tensor processor, meaning your 5G service won’t be as fast as on a Pixel 7 or 7a.
With that being said, the Pixel 6a has a solid 6.1” FHD+ OLED display and a battery than can last up to 72 hours, making for enjoyable streaming sessions. It’s also available in three colors (chalk, charcoal, and sage) and features a 8MP front camera and two 12MP rear cameras.
If you’re looking for a great deal on a 5G compatible Android, we strongly recommend the 6a, but if you’re a techie looking for the latest and greatest smartphone features, we suggest something more recent.
View on AmazonBest 5G Pixel deals
The best way to score a deal on a 5G Pixel is by checking out plans from Canada’s 5G carriers, like Rogers, Bell, Telus, Freedom Mobile, and more.
Pixel 7a 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 64MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Pixel 7 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10.8MP
Pixel 8 128GB
- 6.2 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
Pixel 8 256GB
- 6.2 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
Pixel 8 Pro 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
Best 5G Samsung Galaxies
Samsung’s flagship phones offer a premium 5G experience, with fast processing, high-quality video, and beautiful displays. If you want to get the most bang from your 5G plan, a Samsung Galaxy is the best way to do it.
Galaxy S23 | Starting at $879 MSRP
- Pros: Fast Snapdragon processor, 8K video recording
- Cons: Expensive price tag
The Galaxy S23 is an impressive 5G phone, offering solid and efficient performance with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a chip that’s fast enough to make sure your 5G plan is operating at full speed. The phone also features a 3,900mAh battery, allowing up to over a day of use before charging.
The S23 also features four camera lenses (12MP selfie, 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto 3x optical zoom) and a 6.1” Gorilla Glass screen, a good-looking display hefty enough to survive even the clumsiest of users. If you’re looking to customize your device to your aesthetic, Samsung provides four different color options: cream, green, lavender, and phantom black.
This is the best Samsung 5G phone on the market and will allow you to get the most from your 5G service. With that being said, it’s one of the more expensive flagship phones. Still, if you’re looking for a premium device for your premium service, this is a great option.
View on Amazon
Galaxy S22 | Starting at $599.99 MSRP
- Pros: 6.1” Gorilla Glass display, 8K video recording
- Cons: Lacks headphone jack
New flagship smartphones are released so frequently it can be easy to forget that past models aren’t necessarily outdated. The Samsung Galaxy S22 is a perfect example: though the S23 is the latest and greatest Galaxy, its predecessor has many comparable features, like four high-performance camera lenses (10MP selfie, 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto 3x optical zoom), a 6.1” Gorilla Glass display, and a long-lasting battery. The key difference? The S22 has a cheaper sticker price.
Of course, the S22 still lags behind its successor, with an inferior Octa-core processor and battery life of around 12 hours. Those are important details if you’re looking for high-quality 5G service: the S22 won’t allow you to meet the full potential of a 5G plan and it’ll also require more frequent (and more annoying) charging.
View on Amazon
Galaxy A54 5G | Starting at $449.99 MSRP
- Pros: Cheap 5G Galaxy, large display
- Cons: Shorter battery life, limited camera capabilities
If you’re looking for a more affordable 5G-compatible Galaxy, the A54 is your best bet. It’s got a large 6.4” display and 128GB of storage, specs in line with all of the best smartphones on the market, and comes in eye-catching graphite, lime, violet, or white.
Still, it is a budget phone, so there are some areas where the A54 won’t perform as well as the S23, mostly due to its inferior Octa-core processor. Its battery life is also significantly shorter than the S22, at around 12.5 hours, and its cameras are more basic, peaking at 4k video.
Still, the A54 is a great option for bargain-hunters looking for a 5G compatible phone. If you’re not a hardcore gamer and not intent on using your phone for all your streaming, we highly recommend it.
View on AmazonBest 5G Samsung deals
Canada’s 5G carriers often offer hot deals on Samsung Galaxy phones when you sign up for their 5G plans. We’ve collected some of the best 5G Samsung deals below so you can save big.
Galaxy A54 5G
- 6.4 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP, 5MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
Galaxy S23 FE 5G 128GB
- 6.4 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP, 8MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
Galaxy S23 FE 5G 256GB
- 6.4 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP, 8MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
Galaxy S23 5G 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy S23 5G 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP, 10MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Cheapest 5G phone
5G speeds are fantastic, but prices for 5G phones can be prohibitively expensive. We rooted through the specs of the cheapest 5G phones to find you the best devices for your plan and your wallet.
Motorola Moto 5G (2022) | Starting at $399.99 MSRP
- Pros: 6.5” display, long-lasting battery
- Cons: Inferior secondary cameras, low-res screen
Out of the cheapest 5G phones in Canada, the best option is Motorola’s Moto G 5G (2022). The Motorola 5G phone has a good battery life (at up to two days), three camera (8MP selfie, 48MP wide, and 2MP macros), and a large 6.5” display. For someone who’s primarily looking for a workaday phone, this is a great fit.
The Moto 5G runs on an Octa-core processor, which is slower than processors on 5G flagships like the iPhone 14, Pixel 7, and Galaxy S23. The phone also only has 4GB of RAM, meaning there’s likely to be some lag when using the device.
With that being said, budget phones always have downsides. If you’re looking for a budget phone that offers 5G connectivity, then this is a great option. If you’re a tech-savvy gamer or someone who uses their phone as their primary internet device, though, you should look elsewhere.
View on Amazon5G plans and carriers
More and more Candian carriers are building and expanding 5G wireless networks across the country. 5G plans are available from Bell, Rogers, Telus, Freedom Mobile, Videotron, Eastlink, Public Mobile, Virgin Plus, and SaskTel.
The best 5G cell phone plan in Canada is Freedom Mobile’s 5G Unlimited 40GB CA-US Plan, especially because Freedom is offering an additional 100GB of 5G data when you purchase a new device with the plan.
Freedom Mobile $50 5G Unlimited 100GB CA-US plan
| Carrier | Freedom Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | Student Deal! Get $10/mo. off for 24 months when you activate on $50/mo. plan after Digital Discount + 3rd line Offer: $10/mo. credit when you activate a 3rd line with this plan |
| Total Price |
$30 per month
(for 24 months after $10/mo. off & Digital Discount)
+ $45 Upfront
|
| View Details |
We also recommend Telus’ Essential 60 5G Plan, which offers 60GB of full-speed 5G data and unlimited talk and text for $65/month.
Take a look at some more of the top Canadian 5G phone plans to find one that meets your needs.
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#1
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Public Mobile
$34 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk + Text + 50GB
$34
+ $10 Upfront
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#2
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Freedom Mobile
$50 5G Unlimited 100GB CA-US plan
$30/mth
+ $45 Upfront
|
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#3
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Rogers
75GB Non-shared Plan
$60/mth
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#4
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PC Mobile
$29 Unlimited Talk & Text + 20GB Data
$29
Per 1 Month Top-up
+ $10 Upfront
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#5
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Telus
Unlimited 150 5G+ Can-US
$100/mth
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Methodology: Picking the best 5G phones
Our decisions for the best 5G phones came from comparing offerings from 5G compatible smartphones offered by the 23 different cellular providers listed on WhistleOut.ca. Carriers are not required to advertise with WhistleOut to have plans listed on our site or considered for “Best of” titles. Additionally, our experts regularly audit cell phone costs buried in the fine print to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information. We will change these ratings as necessary.
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